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BY J. W. WELCH. 



ITUNTmODON, PA. 

J. K. DCRBORROW & CO., BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 

ISTS. 



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Entereci acconiino- to Act oi' Conjrress, in the year 1873, by 

J . W . W I-; L (• [I , 
ill tlie Oitice ut' tiie LUffftiriau of Consfress, at '\Vasliiiio-ton. 



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BY J. W. WELCH. 



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HUNTIKGDOIsr, PA. 

J. R. DURBORROW & CO., BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 

187*3 - 



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THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 



F^^I^X FIPIST. 



When Eden's blooming bowers 
Were closed to guilty man, 

And storm-clouds darkly lowered 
Conveying Heaven's brn ; 

Whilst he in gloom departed, 
The mighty scheme was laid; 

Ood's justice was asserted, 
And hell's dark torrent stayed. 

Could Heaven produce a power 
To turn the sweeping tide 

Which in that fatal hour 

From Justice's throne did glide. 

And yet maintain the honor 

Of God's eternal word ? 
'Twere surely a misnomer, 

Jehovah-Jireh God. 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

Behold ! 0, man, the heaiity 
Salvation's plan displays ; 

How holily, astutely, 

Was formed its golden maze. 

Though Justice was unable. 

Rebellious man to save. 
And lift the curtain sable 

From off' his hopeless grave, 

And gentle Mercy weeping. 
Gazed on the moving scene; 

She, too, aloof is keeping, 
As angels bright convene. 

Yet Love, within the person 
Of God's most holy Son, 

Incurring Hell's aspersion, 
Redemption's work begun. 

While Justice unrelenting, 
And Mercy weeping stood, 

Love, unto man repenting. 

Poured out the cleansing flood, 

God to his creatures human, 
Li sweetest accents said: 

"The seed of fallen woman 

Shall bruise the serpent's head." 

"For My own Son hath taken 
The place of man condemned; 

'Twill not My justice weaken — 
On Him My wrath I'll send ; 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

"^^For He for man's transgression 

Hath promised to atone, 
Before the congregation 

That circle Heaven's throne." 

And in the time appointed, 

The great Jehovah saith : 
*'I on Mine own Anointed 

Will pour mj withering wrath." 

Now down the shadowed valley 

Through which time's current flowa, 

Our hastening vision sallies, 
Nor ceases for repose. 

And when th' allotted ages 

To eternity have flown, 
Foretold by all the sages, 

The promised gift is shown; 

And lo ! in Bethlehem's manger, 

'Mid angel praises loud, 
Appears the Holy Stranger, 

The infant Son of God. 

The Jewish skeptics cavil. 

And point with haughty scorn 

Toward the lowly stable 
Where Christ, their King, was born, 

*'Is this the great Messiah, 

Judea's mighty King, 
Declared by old Isaiah 

The captives home to bring ? 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

" Oh ! wliere's the royal sceptre 
That He in might shall sway, 

And as a Prince and Captor 
The foul oppressor slay ? 

"And shall not God's Messiah, 
With proud, majestic mien, 

And chariot of fire, 

Appear upon the scene ? 

" Whilst to Him He shall gather 

The rulers of the land, 
The rabbis and the fathers 

Shall sit at His ri^ht hand. 

"Likewise the great Redeemer 
Must be of royal blood ; 

His unrestrained demeanor 

Would speak Him sent of God. 

"But this pretended Savior 
We will not thus accept, 

Nor will we sw^ervo or waver; 
His offers we reject." 



THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 



P.A-I^T SECOHSriD. 



The veil of night has fallen 
Upon the verdant plain, 

The shepherd groups recalling 
From anxious care again. 

In silence deep, reclining 
Upon the ground, they lie ; 

The silver stars are shining 
From out a cloudless sky. 

So quiet, weird and tragic 
Appears the shadowed scene, 

As though the hand of magic 
Upon its face had been. 

And slowly, softly, falling 
Upon their yielding frames, 

Came slumber's fetters, sealing 
Their powers in his chains. 



THE CIIOWNIKG GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

But suddenly around tliem 
Appears a dazzling light ! 

Its brilliant rays astound them 
And rend tlie robe of night. 

A band of forms Celestial 
Their sweetest anthem raise, 

And fill the air terrestrial 
With the Redeemer's praise. 

"To God be ever glory, 

On earth abounding peace!" 

So ran the pleasing story 
That signal'd man's release. 

And brought the cheering tidings 
From Heaven's radiant court, 

That Christ, on earth abiding, 
Would change the sinful heart, 

And win the Father's favor — 
The light from man withdrawn ; 

For this a potent Savior 
Was found in His own Son. 

" Come ! let us haste to view Him !' 

The shepherds gaily cry, 
" We'll journey gladly to Him, 

With praises swelling high, 

And with the angel voices 

Our humble notes we'll blend. 

While Heaven and earth rejoices 
O'er Christ, the sinner's friend!" 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

Thus saying, quick they hasten, 
Their homage deep to pay, 

To where the guide-star glistens, 
Above where Jesus lay ; 

Where sages rich oblations 
Pour at His sacred -feet, 

The world's great consolation 
With gratitude they greet; 

And with intense emotion, 
Upon the babe they gaze. 

Evincing their devotion 

By shouting loud his praise. 

Although by some rejected 
With insolence and scorn — 

Of infamy suspected, 
Because so lowly born ; 

Yet, to the soul enlightened 
By wisdom from on high. 

It was a scene inviting 
And pleasing to the eye, 

Incif)ieut redemption 

Before their eyes they saw ; 
Satanic intervention 

Could not the work destroy. 

To time's remotest limit 
The holy scheme extends ; 

JN^o power can condemn it 

While God His sanction lends. 



13 



DISPUTING WITH THE DOCTORS. 



1. 

Within the Jewish temple, 'mong the rabbis sage and gray, 
Behold the youthful Jesus, as with power he displays 
The wisdom that elicited the wonder of their band ; 
The force that clothed his arguments the Jews could not with- 
stand. 

2. 

The humble Son of Mary and the obscure Nazarene — 
His father but a carpenter, with chisel, saw and plane — 
Possessor of such wisdom, was to them a mystery ; 
Of Heaven's golden store-house he appeared to have the kc}*, 

3. 
With questions deep he plies them, till discomfited they yield ; 
Against their vain traditions he presents a mighty shield, 
Till, seeking him, retuiniiug now his parents close the scene, 
An^ leave them still to wonder at the gifted Nazarene. 



Oh I well may Israel's rulers, of his power stand in awe ; 
The downfall of their cherished rites the doctors soon foresaw; 
The Jewish dispensation, with its altars erimson-staincd, 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 11 

Its priesthood, loved and honored, was most clearly on the 
wane. 

5. 

While hidden from the Israelites, because of unbelief, 
Became the bold assertions of Salvation's lovely Chief, 
Yet slowly and securely rose the structure of his hand. 
The great highway of holiness to Canaan's fertile land. 

6. 
Around their vain traditions clung the homage of their heai-ts, 
Though waiting for Messiah, who His power should impart. 
But blinded by their prejudice, they failed their King to see 
Presented in this Jesus, of detested Galilee. 

7. 
Alas ! that Israel's scions, the elect and loved of God, 
Should angrily reject the Gift that He in love bestowed — 
Descendants of good Abraham, who, on Moriah's brow, 
The type of reeking Calvary obediently did show. 

9. 
Oh ! weep, Jerusalem's daughters ; sit in ashes on the ground; 
From Judah's potent altars has gone out the light profound ; 
But know, that in the coming of the Man of Galilee, 
A Lamp is lighted that will burn throughout eternity. 



AT THE TOMB OF LAZARUS. 



1. 

Pale death had enshrouded the household 
Of Mary and Martha with gloom, 

And swept, by his heart-chilling power, 
Their brother beloved to the tomb. 

2. 

Bereft of the comfort afforded 
By unrestrained brotherly love, 

'^N'eath sorrow's drear canopy cow'ring, 
They mourn like the unmated dove. 

3. 

"Oh ! had but the Master been present 
When death found our happy abode. 

His word the intruder had banished, 
And joy to His servants bestowed. 

4. 
E'en now, were He here in His power. 

Our brother to life should arise. 
And death's racking scenes should no longer 

Greet darkly our tear-flooded eyes." 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 13 

6. 

Thus sorrowed the heart-broken sisters 

Bemoaned death's power to crush, 
And longed for the coming of Jesus, 

Believing their grief He could hush. 



6. 
Oh ! how their fond hearts glow'd with rapture 

When they tlie Deliv'rer beheld. 
Receiving the cheering assurance 

Their gloom should be quickly dispell'd. 

7. 
And now to the grave of their loved one, 

Half doubting, they wend their sad way; 
Yet hoping, by Faith's intercession, 

A triumph o'er death they shall see. 



Arrived at the mouth of the cavern, 
The Master's full power they own. 

And Faith, indicating her presence, 

Rolls off from its mouth the great stone. 

9. 
And now comes the test of His power 

To sunder the fetters of death. 
And hurl from his throne the dread monster 

Whose victims bestrew his dark path. 

10. 

But forth rings the cry of the victor, 
And death, from his iron embrace, 



14 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

Releases the cold, rigid tenant 

Of darkness, to life's noontide rays. 

11. 

Beliold ! at the mandate of Jesus, 

Whose tones thrill each mortal of earth, 

The dead wakes to power and action, 
And, bursting his shackles, comes forth ! 

12. 

Thus, roused by the trumpet's loud echoes, 
We shall, on the last morn of time, 

Arise from our graves in bright triumph, 
To dwell in a sorrowless clime ! 



ON MOUNT TABOR. 



1. 

On Tabor's lofty summit stands 
The Man whose life was given 

To save a world from Satan's bands — 
The Crowning Gift of Heaven ! 

2. 
His chosen followers are dismayed ! 

As to their mortal vision, 
In dazzling brightness are arrayed 

Forms from the world elysian. 

3. 
Upon Him fulls the piercing light 

Of Heaven's unveiled grandeur, 
Outshining, by its radiance bright, 

All scenes of earthly splendor. 

4. 
Here law and prophecy combine 

In mystic adoration ; 
Here Moses and Elias join 

To pour a rich oblation. 



16 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

5. 

While law to Calvary's mighty King 
Her homage great is giving, 

Prophetic counsels to us bring 
The light o'er darkness driven. 

6. 

Oh! glorious light from Tabor's brow, 
To cheer the soul believing ! 

It images the joy that glows 

Where saints are crowns receiving. 

7. 
Well may the trembling Peter shrink 

From rays of light immortal ; 
He stands upon the river's brink 

That flows from Heaven's portal. 



A tabernacle he would build, 

Within the halo golden, 
Whose beams his doubtings calmly still, 

And his faint heart embolden. 

9. 

And longs his heart to sojourn here, 
Where law and mercy blending, 

Inspire his soul with joy and fear, 
While angels near are bending. 

10. 
He fain would tarry on the mount, 
With Heaven's tenants near him, 



v 



THE CROWNlNCx GIFT OF HEAVEN. 17 

And gaze upon life's open fount — 
'Twas oped from sin to clear him. 

11. 

Let Tabor's light our souls inflame 

With joy and peace abiding, 
Until we gaze upon the Lamb, 

Where crystal streams are gliding. 

12. 

Beyond the surging waves we'll stand. 

Released from earth's commotion, 
AVith conquering palms in every hand, 

And view the jasper ocean. 

13. 
Then let us toil and struggle on. 

Until the crown be given : 
Our feet, through grace, shall stand upon 

The golden streets of Heaven ! 

And Tabor's light shall there illume 

The plains that skirt the river 
That flows hard by the golden throne, 

Where sits the Kiusr forever. 



HIS ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM, 



1. 

Behold ! an unusual commotion 
IsTear the city of Jewish devotion ; 
I'll meekly attempt a solution 

Of this wild, tumultuous scene : 
'Tis Jesus who heads the procession — 
The one who for Israel's transgression 
Is destined to suffer oppression. 

Insult and derision extreme! 

2. 
Toward the city His way He is wending^ 
The people their voices are blending,. 
His right to the sceptre d<jfending, 

As up from their midst swells the song 
That gladdens the inmates of Heaven, 
As to their sweet harps it is given. 
O'er plains of delight it is driven 

In melody flowing along. 

3. 

Behold ! how they fondly adore Him ; 
Their garments they're casting before Him, 



THE CROTVMT^G GIFT OF HEAYITN, 19 

While angels exultingly o'er Him 

Rejoice as tliey silently gaze 
Upon the meek King of redemption^ 
Y/ ho, healing all dire dissentious, 
Creates in the heart pure intentions, 

Siibduing all sin by His grace. 

Unlike the dark scene in the garden. 
The purchaser of our full pardon, 
The honor that Heaven awards Him 

Here in His gve&t majesty claims. 
Let men pour their richest oblation 
To Jesus, the Prince of Salvation, 
Who, for the whole vrorld's preservation, 

Endured tiie most horrible pains. 

5. 
Just hero, at the gates of the city 
Wliose rulers are strangers to pity, 
Of all places this is most fitting 

To honor the great Son of Man; 
O'er whose deeds of infamy weeping, 
He saw how in sin they were sleeping, 
And soon in remorse would be reaping 

The horrors that compass the damned! 



For once may the Man of Deep Sorrow 
Some light from His bright kingdom borrow : 
For, ere the sunrise of the morrow. 
His sad heart will carry the woe 
That ever His steps has attended 



'10 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN, 

Since from His bright throne He descended. 
And will till his labor is ended 
And He to His Father shall go. 

7. 
Though joy swells each bosom around Him, 
And seems with a halo to crown Him, 
Yet sadness has partially found Him, 

And presses His being the while; 
Oh ! how could the heart of a Savior, 
Though sitting beneath transient favor, 
E'er fail with em.otion to quiver, 

Though wearing a heart-winning smile. 



For on His fond heart sore are pressing 
Ths sins that deprive of God's blessing 
Each one who the gnome is caressing 

And sporting upon the abyss; 
Who, charmed bv the sons; of the svren, 
Salvation's light never desiring, 
To w^orldly renowm is aspiring, 

Refusing the highway of bliss. 

9. 
So great is the load He is bearing, 
Though sweet be the smile He is wearing, 
By power He's kept from despairing, 

Because of the heavy demand 
That's made by the great, loving Father ; 
'Tis Christ's all the straying to gather. 
And bring unto jDardon and favor 

The wandering children of men. 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 21 

10. 
Then let us remember His toiling, 
The schemes of the Evil One foiliug, 
By sin's stain His pure nature soiling, 

To bring us to Ilim in the skies; 
And, o'lad that our humble thanksijivinff 
Tiie Father is freely receiving, 
Our hearts in the Savior believing. 

Let songs of devotion arise. 

11- 

While Calvary's "banner floats o'er us, 
We'll echo the loud-swelling chorus, 
For Jesus has trodden before us 

The Valley and Shadow of Death. 
And when our grand entry we're making, 
When saints from the tomb are awaking, 
And earth to its centre is quaking, 

He'll crown us with victory's wreath ! 



IN GETHSEMANE. 



1, 

Dark falls the night on Gethsemane's sod, 
Where in deep sorrow the Holy One trod; 
Agony boundless His gentle heart wrung, 
As o'er His being the sin-curse was flung. 

2. 
Wrapt in deep slumber His followers lie, 
All unaware of the conflict so nigh; 
Yeilding to nature's lethargic appeal. 
Sleep's mystic mazes their senses congeal. 

3. 

Waked by the Master, they quickly descend 
Into the depths of the cavern again ; 
No strong appeal which He urgently makes, 
Can their locked senses completely awake, 

4. 
Knew they the weight that oppresses His heart, 
From their dim visions they quickly would part; 
Knew they the terror that threatens His bliss, 
'Twould their fond hearts with deep anguish oppress. 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 
5. 

Prone on the ground, see the Sufferer lie. 
Heavenward turning His tear-suffused eye : 
Blood-mingled moisture appears in great drops. 
As He receives from His Father the cup, 

6. 

Filled to the brim with His withering wrath, 
Bitter the dregs of destruction and death ; 
Yet on His Chosen the crushing weight falls, 
Sin's galling burden His spotless s*oul thralls ! 

7. 
See the submission pure love here displays ; 
No selfish motive His action betrays ; 
Willingly quaffing the sin-bittered bowl. 
Choosing the grief of the unshriven soul ! 

8. 
Sad was the hour when, stripped of his might. 
Lonely and drear, 'neath the dews of the night, 
Jesus, the Conqueror, languishing lay, 
To the strong bands of dejection a prey. 

9. 

Gather, weak mortals of earth's lower clime, 
Witness the struggle, as Evils combine, 
Hurling their shafts e'eu from Hell's lurid gate ! 
Angels and devils the issue await. 

10. 
Breathless suspense in high Heaven prevails, 
As the dark powers redemption assail ; 



Zo 



24 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

Over the battlements, weeding thej gaze ; 
Silent the liarps and the voices of praise. 

11. 

Over His mind how the mad surges roll, 
Casting a shade o'er His infinite soul; 
Horrors unnumbered before Him arise, 
Dimming the light from the pitying skies. 

12. 

Heaven's winged'messengers warmly applaud, 
Hasting to comfort the wan Son of God ; 
Swift they descend from their jasper-girt home. 
Through the blue veil of the star-gilded dome. 

13. 

In their blest mission they quickly engage — 
Hark! their low murmurs His suff'rings assuage 
On their soft bosoms they pillow His head. 
Soothing the heart from which pleasure had fled. 

14. 

Oh ! ye bright heralds of mercy and love, 
In accents as sweet as the voice of the dove, 
Cheering the heart by the monster. Sin, torn, 
Raising the fallen, dismayed and forlorn. 

15. 

So opportunely thy coming appears ; 
Sweetly thy voices salute the dull ears ; 
Comfort abundant thy presence affords 
To the faint heart of the Lord of all Lords. 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. iO 

16. 

Nature's weak powers unaided, must yield, 
Had not thy pinions o'ershadowed the field, 
('omforting, cheering, and pouring in joy, 
Lest the dark shadow redemptioii destroy, 

17. 
When to the mansions of joy ye return, 
Where fires of devotion eternally burn. 
Tidings of joy thy soft voices will sing — 
Yict'ry's loved notes o'er the Avide plains will ring] 



18. 
Oome] let us sit in Gethsemane's Shade, 
AVhere, on the Pure One our crimes were all laid; 
Let its sad memory woo the hard heart; 
By His deep suffering its woes we avert. 

19. 
Long as our hearts to His passion pulsate. 
And for His coming we patiently wait, 
We shall partake of the soul-stirring joy 
Flowing in streams and unmixed with alloy. 

20. 
And if we faithful remain until death, 
On His blest bosom we'll yield our last breath, 
And on the shores of eternity sing- 
Glad hallelujahs to Jesus, our King. 



HIS ARREST. 



1. 

The night's sable folds o'er the Kedron has fallen, 
And darkness is reigning sublime o'er the scene ; 

Sad thoughts to the mind of the Savior appalling, 
Become more intense 'neatli the torch's red gleam. 

2. 
Now o'er the brook file the minions of Satan, 

Their murderous presence is tainting the air ; 
Dark Mammon's fell poison their hearts is elating, 

And painting their sky with his blandishments fair, 

3. 

Ah ! fatal delusion, their footsteps alluring. 
The demon prevails, leading captive the right; 

l\v wily deception His perso-n securing 

Within their dread power ere the dawn cf the light. 

4. 

l)Ut, see the meek subject of all this confusion, 
As calmly He stands with His followers dear, 

Aroused by their cries from His nook of seclusion. 
Demanding the reason why thus they appear : 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. Zi 

5. 

" Vv'hom feeek ye?" he cries, to their leader advaiicins; ; 

" Why come ye out hither with lurid display?" 
But 'neath His iirm gaze the rude soldiery wincing, 

Would fain the arrest of the Savior delay. 

6. 
How firm he appears, by the weapons surrounded ! 

Nor fears He the warlike aspect of the hand. 
For to their base hearts the alarm has sounded — 

Before God's Messiah they tremblingly stand. 

7. 
They fall to the ground, by His presence o'erpowered ; 

The current of lite in its course is withheld, 
As, fearful and pale, 'neath His questions they cower, 

JSTor soon from their hearts is the terror dispelled. 

8. 
But yielding His hands to the thong of His captors, 

The great King of Kings is the pris'ner of man, 
While seraphic beings, foregoing their rapture, 

With poised pinions, weeping, the moving scene scan. 

9. 
How vain the attempt, had not Heaven's high order 

Decreed the free gift of the Infinite Son ! 
Inscribed by the pen of the sacred recorder, 

Through ages of darkness in triumph it runs. 

10. 
Oh ! gentle inhabitants of the Great City, 

Whose crystalized walls rise majestic and bright — 
Whose heaven-born senses, o'erflowing with pity. 

Constrain you to gaze on this tragical sight. 



28 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

11. 

Go wing your swift Way to the goldeii^bouncl portalt« 
Tliat opes on the realms of eternal delight ; 

Though sad be the tidings to ignorant mortals, 
Yet happiness reigns in the regions of light. 

12. 

Though fainting disciples behold him arrested, 
Before the procurator haughty to stand. 

By men to be smitten, condemned and detested, 
To Calvary led by the rabble's demand, 

13. 

Yet inside the veil that obscures mortal vision, 
Preventing a view of the glorified plains, 

Where o'er the quick senses the bright fields elysian, 
Will cast a sweet haze when life's pilgrimage wanes, 

14. 

Around the great Throne where all happiness centres, 
Is joy as the great consummation draws nigh, 

For soon guilty man may the holy place enter, 
And quafi^' the clear water of life flowing by. 

15. 

Oh ! sheath thy fierce weapon, impetuous Peter ! 

The cup of God's anger the victim must take ; 
Yea, though to His taste the contents are nfiost bitter, 

In love He is suffering, vain man, for thy sake ! 

16. 

'Tis not by the power of the sword that salvation 
Is brought to the sons of degenerate man ; 

But by the Atonement is sent to all nations 

The mercy that flows from the great Father's hand. 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 20 

17. 
And thus by the fiendish device of the creature, 

The pure Son of God to His trial is led ; 
Submission complete on his heavenly features 

In lucid effulgence is visibly spread. 

18. 
Oh ! may our glad hearts, in their swelling emotion, 

Forget not the homage that to Him we owe, 
Who, long before chaos crowned mountain and ocean, 

Existed where pleasures eternally flow. 

19. 
Andfwhcn the fond ties of the creature shall sever, 

Releasiug our souls from this casket of earth, 
Around the Blest Master exalting we'll gather. 

And all the bright scenes of our journey rehearse. 

20. 
Far out o'er the glory-crowned valleys of Eden 

Shall ring glad narrations of victories gained ; 
How Hell's darkest forces, all dimly receding, 

Declared us the victors, through Jesus' great name. 

21. 
Then backward shall flow our swift thoughts to the (jrarden, 

Where He the bound captive of Judas became ; 
Where willingly He, to secure our full pardon. 

Was covered with infamy, sorrow and shame. 

22. 
Around His great Throne, where the clear, pearly River 

Of Life in its beauty transparently flows ; 
Where, on the pure air the glad music shall quiver 

From hearts that no shadow of sorrow disclose. 



30 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

23. 

There dwells in transfigured delight the freed spirits 
Of all who have trodden the path of the just ; 

Kedeemed from the hand of despair by His merit, 
Their bodies in hope intermingle with dust. 

24. 

Though once the weak captive, betrayed and forsaken. 

Before the tribunal of sin-laden man. 
He now in His power the sceptre has taken, 

Whilst angels and mortals obey His command. 



HIS TRIAL. 



1. 

Caiphas, High Priest of the Jewish tribes, 

111 dignit}' o'er the council presides, 

Wlieu Jesus, the subject of jeering and jibes, 

Before him is fiercely arraigned ; 
But death, at his cruel and heartless command, 
Upon Him refuses to raise his red hand! 
Next, in the stern presence of Pilate, the band 

With Jesus, their victim, are seen. 

2. 

Before the tribunal they clamoring cry, 
Desiring that He in the robber's stead die. 
They, in their mad phrenzy, all reasoning defy — 

Let Him for the nations expire ! 
With vigor they urge him — " Send forth the decree 
' Let this vile deceiver be hanged on a tree !' 
Then from foul blasphemy shall Israel be free, 

And wrath of Jehovah most dire." 

3. 

But Pilate, in mercy, refuses to lend 
His aid to the evils that ignobly blend. 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

The tide of destruction afar to extend, 

By adding to infamy's roll 
The crowning event that would hurl to the toml) 
The innocent Prophet in youth's ruddy bloom, 
Whose actions of mercy His pathway perfume, 

And gladden the perishing soul. 

4. 

He pleads the dark cause of this meek, mystic King, 
AVith whose deeds of wonder all Judea rings, 
O'er whose thorny path stern misfortune e'er flings 

Dark shades to embitter life's stream ; 
And moved with compassion he seeks to release 
The gentle Dispenser of Pardon and Peace, 
At whose mighty touch human sufferings cease, 

Dispersed by fond Heaven's ])right beams. 

5. 

But pitiless envy goads on the rude mob. 
Whose hearts, unaccustomed to sympathy's throb, 
Would of life's possession the Holy One rob, 

Thus crushing by one final blow 
This Jesus whose power frustrates all their schemes, 
Bedimming tlie lustre of Israel's bright dreams, 
Which through the dark past did in silvery gleams 

The hope of Zvlessiah bestow. 

6. 
'Tis thus they the boon of the Father reject. 
His kind oflfer treating with idle neglect. 
And failing to render to Him the respect 

That they as His favored ones owe. 
Their King and Messiah e'en now they behold, 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

"Who, eomiug to gather the lost of His fold, 
[s willing to lavish rich treasures untold, 
AVhich from mercy's fountain do flow. 

7. 

The promise that gilds the long vista of years, 
Conveyed by the line of loved Israel's seers, 
E'en now in its fulness unto them appears 

The day-star, arising in power 
To shed a bright ray on the fast tailing night. 
Obscuring the brilliance of Judah's pale light, 
And shaking the structure of crumbling might 

Which onc^ to the heavens did tower. 



'^ What ill hatli He done ?" the proud Roman inquire: 
■" To no earthly sceptre His true heart aspires; 
<>h ! cease the mad cravings of malice most dire, 

And free from His fetters the Man, 
Who, walking your streets as a Herald of Truth, 
Assumes a demeanor so low and uncouth — 
Who, e'en fi-om the days of His earliest youth, 

No ambitious fancies did scan." 

9. 
But louder their fierce accusations arise, 
Lest some timely friend, by a cunning device, 
The Roman may from his firm purpose entice. 

And thwart their inhuman designs. 
The guilt of His blood they are willing to bear. 
Though deep as the chasm of utter despair, 
Where Hell's lurid light on the lone victim glare— 

Who in its dark cavern may pine. 



34 THE CxIOWNING GIFT OF HEAVElSr. 

10. 

" Behold Him V the Governor feeliogly cries, 
"Beneath the stained hand of Ilis brethren He dies I 
To envy and hatred a free sacrifice 

He yields Plis last treranloiis breath. 
Oh ! hearken, ye JewSy to humanity's call ; 
Permit not the veil of bleak vengeance to fail 
Upon yonr steeFd hearts^ like a funeral pall, 

Exulting in Jesus' death !" 

11. 

And long-er unable to quell their demands, 
He yields the Great Prisoner into their hands, 
And, clothing His form in mock royalty's bands, 

They bend the false, suppliant knee. 
His sacred head pierced by the thorn-woven crown. 
Till from His fair brow the red blood trickles down. 
Yet in Him no sign of resentment is found — 

He suffers by Heaven's decree. 

12. 

Oh ! let us 2>reserve this unequalled display 
Of love by our Savior, while life's fitful ray 
Continues to 'lumine these temples of clay; 

And when from life's scenes we depart, 
On faith's mighty pinions our spirits shall soar 
To hail Him with joy on the glorified shore. 
Where we shall remain, to go out nevermore. 

And bask in ineffable day. 



HIS CRUCIFIXION. 



{Jp Calv'ry's steep and rugged side, 
A frantic concouree urge their way ; 

ImpeU'd by hatred's madd'ning tide, 
They, chaiing, will not brook delay. 

Within this phrenzied circle moves 
A haggard, yet nndaunted, form ; 

The meekness of the plaintive dove 
Is mirrored in His features wan. 

And, heeding not the din that falls 
So harshly on His sens'tive ear, 

En answer to fair mercy's call — 
'Tis His the crushing cross to bear. 

Thus staggering 'neath the ponderous beam. 
He labors up the wearying steep, 

Whilst Heaven imparts no radiant gleam, 
Despondency at bay to keep, 

JSTow, fainting 'neath the load He bears. 

Unable longer to sustain 
The galling weight, His murderers 

Relieve the excess of His pains. 



36 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVExV, 

LTpon a native of Gyrene 
They lay the gibbet, then in haste 

Resume their jonrney toward the scene 
Where Pity hides her tearful fjice. 

At length they reach the dreary spot — 
That gloom-encircled place of skulls; 

'Tis here the battle must be fought, 

That from his throne the monster hurls- 

And quickly now they rear the cross, 

A felon vile on either side ; 
Their maledictions at Him thrust, 

l^ov strive their groundless hate to hide. 

Around its base, with tearful mien, 
His faithful followers, filled with grief; 

His friends till death they e'er have been. 
Yet lack the power to give relief. 

Whilst in the background dim, convene 
A flame-scarred horde of Satan's realm ; 

They, jeering, would His soul serene, 
With doubt's black surges overwhelm. 

Oh ! how they o'er His woes exult ! 

Evincing bursts of hellish iov. 
The while they heap their foul insults 

Upon the King of Heaven high ! 

Upon a molten lava sea 

Within the regions of the damn'd, 
i'Tude devils dance in ecstacy 

As life pours out its golden sands. 



THE CROWNIfrG GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

Oat o'er the plains of mornless niglit, 
In piercing tones brief vict'ry's notes 

Take now their Heaven-defying flight, 
And o'er the dismal chasm float. 

And as the sinless Son of God 

In agony extreme expires, 
Each cell within the dark abode 

Ke-echoes with the jargon dire. 

All ITell rejoices as the pall 

Of death athwart the scene is thrown, 
And flashing from its gloomy walls 

A momentary power is shown. 

For to the eye which fails to j)ierce 
The veil that dims Golgotha's scene, 

Xo tower of redemption rears 

Its summit clothed with peace serene. 

Thus Satan's unprophetic gaze, 
Unable through the mist to scan 

The structure of salvation raised 
For vile, unfaithful, fallen man, 

Rejoices in a short-lived bliss, 

That soon must vanish as the dew, 

And power's fancied gleam erased, 

No longer gilds with hope's bright hue. 

But as the moments hasten on 
Toward the fiercest of His woes, 

O'er nature's face a veil is drawn 
To hide the horrors here disclosed. 



38 THE CROWNING GIFT OP HEAVEN. 

Tlio sun's keen rays refuse to pierce 
Tlie gloom, upon the scene to gaze 

Where raged the contest long and fierce, 
AVaged for Apostate Adam's race. 

And as the midnight shadows lie 
Upon the earth in misty gloom, 

(See the I Am His power display — 
The dead in Jesus leave the tomb ! 

The temple's veil in twain is rent, 
Declaring Jewish off' rings void; 

For this is the Messiah sent 

To quench their fires ^\'ith His blood. 

No more shall Israel's rites appease 
The anger of the King of Kings ; 

They have no merit now to please, 
Or turn the point of Satan's sting. 

Ko more the smoke of sacrifice, 
Upon the balmy evening air 

Shall to the God. of Jacob rise, 
And pardon to his sons declare ; 

For now a nobler oflT'ring burns 

Upon an altar greater far. 
No less a ransom e'er shall turn 

His wrath, or mercy's boon secure. 

For this, as spoken by the seers, 
It well became the loving Son 

To bear the scofiSng and the jeers 

Which were in malice at Him thrown. 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. r!(» 

Thus hy His meritorions death 

He purchased every sinful soul, 
Aud with His last expiring breath, 

Declared His conquest of the Avorld ! 

And as the moving picture fades 

From Fancy's graven scenery. 
What gratitude each heart pervades 

Which feels the light of Calvary ! 

Our sympathies shall centre there 

Wliile life's mysterious current flows ; 

And when our spirits cleave the air, 
It will exquisite bliss bestow. 

Then from the consecrated cross 

They'll spread their pinions on the breeze, 

And join the great undying host 

Who on the Mighty Conqueror gaze. 

There Calvary's power inspires each tongue, 
And fills each raptured, bounding heart ; 

There loudly swells redemption's song, 
Where saved and Savior ne'er shall part! 

'Twas Calvary's merit stayed the tide 

That swept in mighty torrents on ; 
Its turbid waters now subside, 

As back its surging waves are thrown. 

In Calvary's anguish culminates 

The sufferings of Eden's King, 
Who, through the massive golden gates, 

Came down his lost ones home to brino-. 



40 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

And when from mundane scenes releas'd, 
We on the great Redeemer gaze, 

'Twill till each heart with rapt'rons bliss, 
To dwell with Him throusrh countless days. 



HIS RESURRECTION. 



lu the dark sepulchre, silent and lonely, 
Lies the stark form of the poor !Mazarene; 

Loved by the Gallilean fishermen only, 

And the fond Marys who haste to the scene. 

Kre the soft light of the rose-tiuted morning 
Falls on the hills in enchanting array, 

Ushering day, on its journey returning, 
With deep emotion they hasten away. 

Great scalding tears through their lashes are j'trest^iiiij 
Showing their love for the Master so dear ; 

Glieerless their hearts 'neath the cloud so distressing, 
Whose murky shadow enhances their fear. 

But a bright being the mourners discover. 

Who has removed the obstructions with haste; 

And the great stone, which the entrance did cover, 
By Divine Power is hurled from its place ! 

Silent they gaze on this child of the valleys, 
Where bloom the flowers of perpetual spring; 

There in their beauty the seraphim rally. 

Sweeping the throne on their jubilant wings. 



42 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

'' Seek ye the Master in death's mouldy cavern ?" 

The lovely tenant of Paradise cries ; 
"Know that the Gift of Omnipotent Heaven 
Must from the tomb in His majesty rise, 

Scaling the walls that forbiddingly tower, 

Barring a sin-condemned world from release ! 

Thus He achieves, by His infinite power, 
Victr'y o'er Satan — securing man's peace. 

Yes; the great Jesus indeed has arisen. 
Crushing the last of man's merciless foes; 

Bursting the bands of His granite-bound prison, 
Though flaming legions their arms interpose !'* 

Thus speaks the angel to Mary, who's weeping 
O'er the dark vault where the Savior had lain ; 

He whom she deemed in death's bonds to be sleeping. 
Stolen away by some miscreant hand ! 

'•'■ Mary!" the voice soft and tender is falling 

On the poor sorrowing follower's ear, 
Heart-cheering scenes to her memory recalling, 

(^f the home-circle when Jesus was there. 

(Quickly she turns to behold the kind Master; 

To His blest arms she would lovingly haste ; 
High beats her pulses, yet taster and faster 

Deep prints of sorrow by joy are effaced. 

But He eludes ail her tender embraces, 
Kindly declaring flis work incomplete ; 

Yet He has power to bUnish grief's traces, 
Ere He assumes His sin-conquering seat. 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 4o 

Softly and faintly she felters, "Rabboni!" 

Teeming with love is her wild, throbbing heart ; 

Fondly she gazes upon the Atoner ; 

From His blest presence she ne'er would depart. 

" Tell my disciples and impulsive Peter, 

That I have sundered the chains of tbe slave; 

Though the huge conflict to me w^as most bitter, 
Yet I have scattered the gloom of the grave !" 

Swiftly she flies to His lonely adherents, 
And the glad tidings to tliem she imparts ; 

But overawed by her frantic appearance. 
Mystic delusions seize hold on their hearts. 

But, on their secret assemblage intruding, 
Soon in their presence He openly stands! 

AVords of encouragement sweet interluding 
With invitations to view His torn hands. 

Yet feeble faith fails to comprehend fully 

All the deep scheme of redemption from sin ; 

]^ature's dull powers conceive very slowdy 
How He the prize by His rising shall win. 

" Come! doubting Thomas, reach hither thy flnger; 

Thrust thy rude hand in my spear-mangled side ! 
Let no dark shade in thy bosom now linger; 

Know that 'tis He who on Calvary died!" 

Faith now declares all misgivings are banished ; 

By these deep mysteries he's greatly awed ; 
Swift as the wind does his unbelief vanish ; 

Hear him exclaiming — "My Lord and m}^ God!'" 



44 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

t 

Tliurf, by His presence, the gloom He has liiclited. 

That in dense volumes enshrouded the grave, 
Cheering- the hearts of a people benighted, 

Winning the title of " Mighty to Save !" 

"■ Soon I shall rise!'' He exclaims, "to My Father 

Where, on the raediatonal throne, 
I shall the straying of all nations gatlicr 

To the delights of a sorrowless home !" 

" Take ye My blessings ; remember My Avarnings ; 

Watch and be ready ; taith"s helmet have on ; 
Thus, while My grace all thy lives is adorning. 

Ye shall prepare for eternity's da>vn. 

Wage ye the warfare till Satan's dark forces 
Fly from the glitter of brave christian steel. 

Till his great army in panic disperses, 

And his fierce onslaughts, by love, are j-epelled. 

Then shall ye sit mid the light that is streaming. 
Lucid and wide, o'er the glorified plains, ' 

Where the pure joy of the Father is beaming. 
And love infinite eternally reigns. 



HIS ASCENSION. 



The Savior stands amid His band. 

His earthly mission all fultilled ; 
He, at the Father's own command, 

Has shown obedience to His will. 

The scheme of free salvation wrought, 
And all its mighty struggles past, 

He now a quiet nook has sought, 
Reviewing all His conflicts vast. 

He, ere He speeds His happy flight, 

To fill the Intercessor's seat, 
Mis band incites to truth and right, 

By pointing to His vict'ry great. 

Through scenes of darkness and of gloom 
He kept secure the sacred trust — 

E'en through the portals of the tomb, 
The heritage of mortal dust. 

And now he stands upon the line 
Where mortals taste immortal bliss, 

And gazes on His work sublime, 
Which gives to man eternal peace. 



40 THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

And as upon His cliosen few, 
Like incense sweet Ilis blessing falls, 

Their vows they solemnly renew 
To heed fair Mercy's plaintive calls. 

With retrospective vision, now 
He scenes surveys of pain and woe, 

When He in innocence did bow 
To dark oppression's torrent low. 

He gazes on the victor's meed 
Presented to His rrpturons view. 

From earth's debasing inlinence freed. 
He cleaves the veil of ether blue; 

And through the misty cloud that hides 
Elysian scenes from mortal gaze. 

The conquering Christ so swiftly glides, 
Whilst men and angels shout His praise. 

The heavenly host around the throne, 
With shouts of ecstacy are seen 

To greet with songs the Holy One 
Who paid the penalty of sin. 

And on the brow of Sorrow's Child 

They place the conq'ror's sparkling crown 

By sin's pollutions undefiled, 

He by His Father's side sits down. 

He now in majesty assumes 

The power that to His name belongs, 

Death's shadowed valley to illume, 
And fill each heart with vict'ry's song. 



THE CROWNING GIFT OF HEAVEN. 

Behold ! He sits endowed with power 
To raise the taint, despondent heart, 

And, from this most important hour, 
Good gifts to needy man impart. 

Oh, come ! ye straying sonls that roam 
Through shades unblessed by mercy's i-ay, 

Forsake the dense, depressing gloom 
That hovers o'er thy cheerless way. 

Come ! fall in anguish at Ilis feet, 
Who suffered 'neath the smiter's rod ; 

Whose mighty conquest now complete. 
Sits pleading by the throne of God. 

His arm the vengeful weapon stays, 
Which on the sinful head would fall I 

Was ever love so great displayed ? — 
Releasing man from Satan's thrall. 

Hew great the Gift to mortal given, 
To open wide the healing stream I 

Kaught else could still the wrath of Heaven, 
Or claim the power to redeem. 

For this let men their praises pour, 
In melting strains, to earth's extent, 

To Him w4io liveth evermore — 

Whose pains the rocks in chasms rent I 

Let all the world to Him award 
The honor that to God belongs; 

Their voices raise with sweet accord, 
And fill the air with holy songs. 



48 



THE CROWNING (HFT OF HEAVEN, 



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